14 January 2022

In the interest of transparency and speedy service delivery, KZN MEC for the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka, together with KZN MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Jomo Sibiya, met with residents from the Abaqulusi local municipality to officially introduce contractors appointed by Cogta to connect electricity to over 400 local households.

According to Hlomuka, the handing over of the contractors marks the start of the end of a painful chapter for the local communities of wards 1,2,3 and 4 who will soon have access to electricity for the very first time. 

In his address to residents, during the visit which took place on Thursday and Friday, at KwaLwi, Esihlengeni and Emphangisweni sports grounds, MEC Hlomuka said the decision to appoint the contractors is one that was taken by the department in the interest of getting as many houses connected to the grid in the shortest time possible. 

Through the intervention that saw the department itself appointing the contractors, internal engineers will work closely with the appointed contractors to ensure that the connections are delivered on time and within budget. 

The introduction of the contractors was also attended by the Deputy Chairperson of the Zululand Local House of Traditional Leaders Inkosi Sibisi, Inkosi Zondo of eMpangisweni TC and Inkosi Zulu of the Khambi TC. 

Amakhosi commended the provincial government for keeping its word by coming back to the community to introduce the contractors who will now fulfil the promise of electrifying local households. According to Inkosi Zondo, “the provincial government's intervention is yet another sign of the commitment to expanding public access to electricity, especially in rural communities”. 

MEC Sibiya, in his address to residents, commended the communities for working with the provincial government towards this project and called upon them to protect the new infrastructure. “We do not wish to hear that cables and machinery have been stolen. You, as the local community, have to protect this important infrastructure. Do not allow anyone to undermine by stealing and destroying this important infrastructure,” said Sibiya. 

Issued by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Enquiries:

Mr Senzelwe Mzila, 082 474 1882 / Ms Nonala Ndlovu, 066 282 6903 

Ends.